Talking about urinary incontinence can feel uncomfortable — but it should not. About 25 million adult Americans experience this health problem in different forms. The good news is that medical treatment can help to reduce or stop urinary incontinence. But what exactly is urinary incontinence and what are the treatment methods available? River City Ob/Gyn in Midlothian Virginia shares some general information about urinary incontinence and how we can help!
AN OVERVIEW OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, which can result in the involuntary leakage of urine. This problem can be caused by lifestyle habits, physical issues or another disease. Incontinence is not a disease by itself; it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
There are different types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence: Involuntary urine leakage that occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder. This can happen when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jump or lift something heavy.
- Urge incontinence: You may feel a sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by involuntary urination.
- Functional incontinence: This is caused by physical or mental impairment that prevents you from reaching the toilet in time.
- Overflow incontinence: The bladder does not empty completely, leading to constant or frequent dribbling of urine.
- Mixed incontinence: You suffer from more than one of these types of incontinence.
HOW AN OB-GYN CAN HELP
When you suffer from urine incontinence, you should visit an obstetrician-gynecologist. An OB-GYN will ask questions to know your medical history, do a physical exam and conduct a series of tests. This will not only help in making an accurate diagnosis but also assist in establishing the type and severity of the problem.
Depending on the diagnosis, an OB-GYN will recommend the appropriate treatment method. This may include behavioral techniques, medication and surgery. The doctor will discuss the health problem with you and explain what your treatment will involve. In addition, you may get professional advice on how to reduce discomfort and control the problem.
PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT
There are several ways through which your doctor can treat urinary incontinence. Typically, the professional will recommend non-surgical treatment first. This will include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, cutting down on caffeine, cutting down on alcohol and eating the right foods.
Treatment may also involve bladder training to help you gradually regain bladder control. You may also undergo physical therapy that includes exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Lastly, your doctor can recommend medications or using certain bladder support devices.
When other treatment options are not working, several surgical procedures can be used to treat the health problem.
Incontinence can affect not only your daily activities but also your quality of life. You need to know when to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paoloni of River City Ob/Gyn to discuss incontinence so you can get the professional medical help you need. Call us at 804-362-0808 for an appointment.
